TIC: How is the Real Estate Community Involved?

Posted by funkitty on July 25th, 2008

With the demand of prime properties worldwide, real estate communities are boasting of profits and capital gains when it comes to their acquired real estate. But despite the knowledge of these investors in the business, there is a way to consolidate as many properties as they can to maximize their profits.

Tenancy in Common or TIC allows the real estate community to share an ownership of a certain property with two or more people. The individuals share may depend on how much they invested on the property upon its acquisition, as stipulated in the deed, will or title for the joint venture.

Advantages of TIC for the Real Estate Community

Real estate community can highly profit from tenancy in common. By partly investing on one property with another investor, the person may allocate their money to other investments which allows them to double their total earnings, rather than sticking with one real estate alone.

Also, the law states that those who are into TIC should equally contribute to payments of expenses depending on the percentage of their shares. This includes expenses such as rent, services (lights, water and communication), and so on. Though repair and construction responsibilities are not shared, but depend on the co-owners who wish to have them done. This allows each individual in the real estate community to lessen their cost of expense which gives them more flexibility in managing their finances.

Real Estate Community Concerns

Though most big-time real estate community investors deal with property acquisition on their own, the main concern however is still on the profit to be had on the venture. Commercial investors on real estate will not dish out any money for the property if there is no profit or capital gains to be had the risk is just too much for one person to handle on their own.

Right of survivorship doesn’t exist in a TIC agreement. In other words, the share of the property or estate will be passed on as inheritance to the heir as stated on the will or any legal documents pertaining to the joint venture. In this case, the risk of losing the share of the real estate acquired will be lessened, or face legal sanctions as dictated by the Court.

But with TIC, the risks are divided according to the number of individuals in the joint venture. If one of the party wishes to destroy the tenancy in common, they can do so in two ways: 1) the party can obtain a partition of the property which will divide the land into distinctively owned lots, if permitted by the State; and 2) the Court may decide to force a sale of the property and divide the proceeds according to the percentage of each individuals’ investment.

Kathryn R. Landry is a business writer for TIC Advisors, Inc. A company that can give you the most complete information on a 1031 exchange or TIC property ownership.

Buying Properties - 3 Things That You Need To Do Before Buying Properties

Posted by homebizgears on July 25th, 2008

Are you intending to buy a property in the near future? If you intend to, then there are things that you need to prepare before you buy a property. Today, if you flip through your local newspaper or browse through the different websites online, you can see that there are always new properties for sale listings being put up by sellers. Sometimes, you are presented with so many choices that you will not know which offer or property that you should look into.

Therefore, this article is to help you understand your own objective for buying a particular property, so that you are better equipped to make a purchase decision. Now let me share with you 3 things that you need to prepare before buying a property:

1. Determine that type of property that you wish to buy. In the real estate market, there are so many different kinds of properties available. So which type of property do you wish to buy? Are you interested in freehold condominium, landed property or a penthouse? Or are there any other types that you are looking at? You need to make a decision here before you can go on to the next step. If you are an investor who is looking to buy a property and lease it out, this will be an extremely important step for you. The type of house that you buy will determine the success rate of you getting a tenant to lease from you. So take your time to go through this step thoroughly before making any decision.

2. Location and budget. Location is another factor that you really need to consider properly. Especially if you are intending to be a landlord, the location of the property is a key factor that will determine whether your landlord business will be a success or failure. Once you have determined the location that you wish to buy your property, you can now narrow your search down to a specific region or city. Now, with the type of property and location set, you can then determine the budget that you are willing to fork out to buy the property. During negotiation, always quote a price that is way below what you can afford to fork out, so that you will have more negotiation power and space.

3. Time to search for your ideal property. There are many ways that you can search for your ideal property. One of the most popular ways is to go online and look for popular real estate directories in your country and look through their online listings. Those listings come with pictures of the properties, as well as information that you will need before arranging for a viewing. With the advanced technology of search engines like Google, it should not be a problem for you to find couples of real estate directories to look for your ideal property.

With this, hope that you are now better equipped to purchase your property in the near future.

To locate or list private property for sale and rent, visit the website below now:

Click Here: Private Property for Sale and Rent at www.Myoochi.com

How California’s New Programs Will Work For The First Time Home Buyer

Posted by jennstromsteen on July 24th, 2008

The program launched by California’s Governor reduces the interest rate on 30 year fixed mortgages to a below market rate. This is aimed to help the first time home buyer purchase targeted foreclosed homes in certain areas of California that has been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. These homes are reduced to bargain prices to make them more attractive to the first time home buyer.

First time home buyers purchasing a home to live in as their primary residence are eligible for the program. Additionally they must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and meet the credit, income and loan requirements of the program.

The program is run by the California Housing Finance Agency. The program has estimated $200 million to aid from 800 to 1,000 families looking to buy homes. Income limits apply as couples are allowed to earn up to $67,800 in some counties and up to $73, 560 in others; the limits to qualify increase for families with three or more persons.

Certain credit requirements apply as well as borrowers must have a credit score of at least 660 for a loan up to 95 percent of the value of the home. For homes that exceed 95 percent of the homes value the credit score must be over 680 to qualify.

Not every foreclosed home in the specific areas of California is eligible for this program. Foreclosed homes that are selected by Fannie Mae, CitiMortgage, HomEq Servicing and Wells Fargo Premier Asset Services are the only homes eligible for this program. Additionally the homes must meet all CalHFA and Fannie Mae inspections, health and safety codes and repairs requirements to qualify. There are currently almost 100 homes that are on the list of eligibility now in the counties of Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced and more are being added every week. All of the homes listed are priced at least 12 percent below their estimated value helping the first time buyer reach the dream of homeownership.

Potential buyers must be aware that they are required to complete a home buyer education counseling program. These programs are available over the Internet, in person or over the phone; however, a certificate of completion must be issued through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac identified counseling administration agencies, mortgage insures or HUD approved buyer counselors to be valid. The lenders themselves also are subject to certain requirements including being CalHFA approved lenders.

Despite the qualifications and requirements both the potential first time home buyer as well as the neighborhoods of the eligible homes are thrilled with the program. Buyers in need are being united with homes in need and offering revitalization for many neighborhoods in the counties that have been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis in California.

J Stromsteen has many years expertise in the finance, real estate, and insurance industry. She contributes to various websites such as First Time Home Buyer where you can find today’s mortgage rates as well as a wealth of information on getting a First Time Home Buyers Loan .

In Every Tragedy, An Opportunity: Capitalizing on Foreclosures in the Myrtle Beach Market

Posted by semgorilla1 on July 22nd, 2008

It’s no secret that the current housing market is a disaster for lots of home owners. Whether they got a “liar’s loan” that they can’t afford any more, or they were one of the people with a house “in the air” when the flipping craze crashed on them, there are foreclosures happening all across the US. Even in a market as dynamic as Myrtle Beach, there are people who can’t keep up with their mortgages.

There are three stages in the foreclosure process a buying opportunity presents itself. The first, and the most painless for everyone (lender, current resident and new prospective owner) is early in the process, when they’re only down a few payments. The bank doesn’t want to foreclose, they need the liquidity, and the income stream from the mortgage, not the tangible asset of a home that’s assessed at several hundred thousand dollars that they lack the expertise to unload. While this is the least advantageous for the new buyer, it’s quite often possible to negotiate a new mortgage with a lender as a direct alternative to letting the house go up on auction. This type of intervention often works best if you go through your favorite real estate investor.

The second stage of buying a foreclosed (or distressed) property is through a foreclosure listing service; these list all the foreclosures that are going up on the sheriff’s auction. The primary buyers tend to be Realtors, and the banks are desperately hoping to get either an income stream or a slug of liquid cash rather than (once again) be saddled with a tangible asset. You can often get a home (if you’re not picky) for a very good price by going this route; however, your odds of getting a home that’s already been “mostly paid off” are next to nothing, and you’re probably not going to get the exact home you want; choice locations are going to get a lot of bids. This is another avenue to have a good real estate broker intervene on your behalf.

The third state is the scariest stage of all: A bank that has a LOT of foreclosed properties on its inventory list is in major trouble, and there are going to be banks in this situation over the next couple of years. There is a window where a bank can pull out of this by auctioning off assets. Expect to make significant down payments in this case; this situation happens when the local real estate market is seriously depressed. Don’t expect to see this set of circumstances around Myrtle Beach. You are far more likely to find a distressed home in stage one than any other.

Myrtle Beach’s housing market is one of the few that’s actively growing in the US, and Myrtle Beach is the 6th fastest growing community in the country. It’s a major travel destination and retirement location, with excellent beach access and golf courses, plus loads of family friendly fun. If you’re looking to get into the Myrtle Beach real estate market as a homeowner, looking at a foreclosure re-sale can save you a lot of money, upwards of $100,000 or more, depending on which stage you get the home in.

That being said, always have a real estate agent on hand when you do deals of this kind, they’re essential for spotting the hidden tricks and gotchas in the process. Make sure you avoid any hidden fees, or probate findings by having a professional look over the deal on your behalf.

Additional advice on buying foreclosed properties: Remember that the people who are moving OUT of your new house are going through a troubling time. Incidences of vandalism, poor maintenance and worse are all known. People take foreclosure very poorly, and some take it quite personally. Again, this is a situation where a real estate expert can help a lot, because they can talk to the current occupants and keep them from doing something foolish out of wounded pride or depression.

Randy Zlobec, Search Engine Marketing Expert who also offers Article Distribution Services for a Myrtle Beach Real Estate company.

Failing Banks? What It Means For The First Time Home Buyer

Posted by jennstromsteen on July 21st, 2008

It is the opinion of many people that the government, despite what the President may say, will in fact bail out mortgage high players Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. For these companies to fold would be detrimental to the economy. But what exactly are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and what do they do? Simply put, a home buyer achieves a mortgage from a lending institute and Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac purchase the mortgage to then resell it again to investors. They receive money from the sale to the first lender to continue lending.

In the last decade Freddie Mac handled nearly $164 billion in New York mortgages alone; serving over 1,325,000 families. If Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have serious financial problems then credit will tighten and it will become increasingly difficult for any consumer to get a mortgage; but particularly for the first time home buyer. At this point it is speculated that these companies will not need to borrow money from federal reserves, the government or the treasury; however, the government has stated that if they do need it they can come for it. With the potential for government bailouts confidence is building.

When push comes to shove, impact from national news or news on a local level does not change the rules in applying for a first mortgage; make sure you have your finances in order before shopping for a home, make sure your credit is in line and be aware of your credit score. The first time home buyer needs to educate themselves more than ever as lenders begin to tighten their belts. Knowing what your credit score is, how to increase that score and look favorable to the lenders will increase your chances of obtaining a mortgage regardless of what is happening in the financial world; these are basic rules.

Before a lender will grant a loan for a home he will first run a credit report on the buyer to help them get a picture of the buyer’s ability to pay the loan. The last thing a lending institute wants is for a buyer to get in over their head and default on their mortgage. It is therefore recommended that before shopping for a home or showing up at the lending institute to apply for a first mortgage you run a credit report of your own. This will help you figure out any areas that need to be corrected and what areas could be improved. Once you are satisfied and your lender runs the report he will be able to help you understand what you can afford. If you have discovered your credit is in shambles or your credit score is low there are ways to bring up your credit score and you will have the time to do so.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae having financial problems is just the reflection of what is happening in the economy today; we are all feeling the pinch. This is a time, more than any to tighten our own belts, avoid using credit excessively and manage your credit well; doing these things will allow you to be among the few buyers that the lenders extend a first time mortgage to.

J Stromsteen has many years expertise in the finance, real estate, and insurance industry. She contributes to various websites such as First Time Home Buyer where you can find today’s mortgage rates as well as a wealth of information on getting a First Time Home Buyers Loan .

Mail Order Home Kits - Sear Roebuck Homes Still Stand Proud

Posted by kadence64 on July 21st, 2008

“After some consideration, I think I’ll choose the Modern Home No. 146. The Saratoga has a lovely wide front porch and the redwood siding should endure for many decades.”

This was, perhaps, the thinking of thousands of families who bought their homes from the Sears Roebuck Houses by Mail Catalog - a phenomenon of the early 20th century that delivered kit homes stacked onto rail cars to families across America. Between 1908 and 1940 about 100,000 families perused the architectural catalog, read concise descriptions of house styles and analyzed floor plans. Then, according to their family budget and needs, placed a stamp on an envelope and sent off for a complete kit to build their home from foundation to roof top.

Sometimes, the buyer would take on the task of building the home while others hired local contractors. Thousands of these homes still stand today, their owners perhaps unaware their bungalow, cottage, colonial house or other older home was assembled from a kit. The cost? A home kit could be purchased for a under $1,000 and up to about $2,700, depending upon the design and square footage. Today, many of those same homes sell for a half million dollars or more.

Although Sears Roebuck Company was the most successful retailer of home kits, it was not alone. A major competitor in the market was, not surprisingly, Montgomery Ward. But it was Sears that captured the majority of sales and left a lasting mark on real estate across America. Some analysts say it was the company’s attention to detail and quality that kept it in front of its competitors. In 1918, a Sears’ marketing piece promised “the customer must be satisfied for a lifetime for every house we sell is a standing advertisement for Sears Roebuck and Company.”

Part of this satisfaction came with the efficient way the Sears kits were assembled and presented. In the early 1900s, carpenters and home builders did not have the advantage of today’s power tools. Most people were not educated in reading architectural plans, nor experienced in construction. Sears pre-cut all the lumber for the homes and made instructions easy to follow. Since most buyers were intimately involved in the construction of their kit home, there was a special pride in hands-on ownership.

After the Great Depression, Sears offered an even more complete package to customers by including financing. By then, the company was deep into lumber mills and other industries that supported its housing venture. By 1940, the burden of manufacturing and financing - and the impact of WWII - saw the last of the Book of Modern Homes. Times changed and Sear Roebuck changed with them. The company never kept an inventory of the homes it sold so many people who own houses from the early decades of the 20th century may be unaware of their home’s humble, mail order origin.

Come visit us to learn about the beauty of Sonoma County Real Estate or if you are considering purchasing real estate in Sonoma County

Opportunities for First Time Real Estate Investors

Posted by kadence64 on July 21st, 2008

For some home owners, the downturn in the real estate market presents an opportunity they may not have enjoyed during the boom time. Home owners with some equity in their homes and adequate income may want to invest in a rental home. With so many foreclosures on the market this may be an open window for future returns from real estate investment. But, like most windows, this one too will close. So, it’s good for potential investors to do the research and act in a timely manner.

Numbers in the first quarter of 2008 were pretty grim. More than 9 households out of every 1,000 fell into default. But, as the year progressed there were signs the rate of defaults is slowing - an alert that acting sooner, rather than later, might be advised.

In some urban areas there is a veritable glut of foreclosed homes. First time buyers and investors are looking at these low-priced listings and many are playing in the real estate market for the first time. However, a home owner and an investor are likely looking for different features in a property purchase. As an investor, you’ll not be seeing yourself and family living in the house. You’ll be looking for a rental that, somewhere down the road, you can turn into well invested cash.

For the individual investor who is not in the business of buying, renting and selling properties, there are some things to consider. The first advice from some real estate professionals is to look for the least attractive home on an otherwise attractive block. Have your real estate agent search for comps - homes recently sold in the neighborhood to give you an idea of what homes that are not in a distress sale, are worth on the market. Also have your agent look at the same comp values before the economic downturn. There is, of course, no guarantee that home values will again rise to those often inflated highs, but such comparisons give you a compass reading.

Look for homes that require mostly cosmetic improvements. Don’t consider houses that need new roofs or foundations. Check to see that heating and cooling systems haven’t been raided and stripped of copper and aluminum as they sat on the market. When you find such defects, consider the cost of repairs compared to the asking price of the home. It may, or may not, make sense to put out money for a major repair. Remember that in a competitive market where buyers are bidding up the price, foreclosure owners probably won’t lower the price to accommodate for the needed repairs.

Know that your rental home will require repairs and your continued attention - financial and personal. Calculate all that before you commit to making your real estate investment. Obviously, make sure you and your real estate agent do the math - will the rental price cover all monthly costs? Insurance, repairs, whatever utilities or fees you’ll have to pay and, naturally, the mortgage. To be as accurate as possible, you’ll have to work with a lender to ascertain what fixed percentage rate you’ll be paying. Even as a first time investor, you know the dangers of the adjustable mortgage because you are likely buying a property whose home owner did not.

Real estate is often a very sound investment with bountiful financial returns. If you do your homework, footwork and get the math right, the market may be your key to a more profitable future.

Come visit us to learn about the beauty of Sonoma County Real Estate or if you are considering purchasing real estate in Sonoma County

Swooping In at the Lower Prices

Posted by ExpertHomeOffers on July 21st, 2008

Even while the rest of the country is suffering under the deflated economy and woeful real estate market situation, there will always be those individuals who can afford to purchase. And now, with the rock bottom home prices, the time to buy real estate has never been better. Real estate investors are being wooed to purchase more and more properties at a fraction of the cost they would have held during the booming years.

One example of the lure of deflated real estate costs can be found in South Florida. Here, home prices have dropped almost 27% in just the last 12 months alone, making the properties in this region an ideal purchase for any savvy real estate investor. With more and more people trying to get out from under their large mortgage bills to avoid foreclosure, these motivated sellers are putting their homes on the market for less, and closing on them for even lower.

Bargain hunting for properties in this area and other similar real estate markets where the prices have plummeted has never been easier. Better still, the smart investor knows that they can rent out the properties while the market is in its poor state. Once the market rebounds, these properties will be able to sell for a far greater price than they were bought, especially in areas like South Florida where the temperate climate is always one of the biggest selling points.

But what if you do not want to hold a bunch of real estate properties in your portfolio? The smart investor knows that they can purchase a house at a large discount, make a few upgrades and flip the house for a modest profit, should the need to diversify your portfolio arise. If the cash is needed right now, the real estate investor can make some simple upgrades to change the home, sell it quicker and still gain a profit, while holding on to the other properties that might yield a larger profit once the market rebounds.

Other investors are buying in bulk, just as though they were shopping at one of the bulk grocery outlets. Some buyers are purchasing bank owned homes and reselling them with little changes to gain a profit. Homes can be bought up to 50 properties at a time without ever stepping foot on the property. Once owned, these investors make only the necessary changes so the homes sell fast to turn a profit. Of course, this concept has been around for decades and the need to flip the house quickly is what will bring the investor the cash needed. But with the real estate market as low as it is now, those investors with the cash and knowledge to purchase properties can come out ahead as motivated sellers and buyers are anxious to capture a new home at a deeply discounted rate.

Who really reaps the rewards when suffering properties are purchased? The local neighbors and communities are the ones who are seeing the best results from these purchases. Empty homes are welcome signs for vagrants and drug dealers, while these purchased homes help to keep the neighborhood up and keep prices from falling any further.

Sell My House Fastto a local home buyer?

Will A New President Help The First Time Home Buyer?

Posted by jennstromsteen on July 18th, 2008

According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, commissioned by Move, Inc. and released today, about 44 percent of all home buyers feel that the housing market will improve with a new President taking office. At the same time the majority of home buyers are nervous about the housing market and report barriers between them and becoming a home owner. These barriers are the cost of down payments, annual incomes and a lack of confidence in today’s economy to name just a few mentioned. Despite all, there is an underlying demand for homes which is healthy.

This same survey reports that about 80 percent of all renters plan at some point to become home owners, nearly half of them plan on doing so within the next five years. Space, life changes such as family and increasing rent charges are a few of the reasons given for wanting to become home owners. What these findings show is that despite the subprime crisis and difficulties in economy and new mortgage rules the underlying demand for housing remains strong. People still long to have a home of their own; however, their thoughts and priorities regarding the home and neighborhood are changing with today’s changing world.

Most potential home buyers are willing to make sacrifices in their lives to save money and earn extra income to obtain down payments. Certain neighborhood features and home amenities are willingly overlooked to be able to buy a home in the current market. A number of these choices reflect changing values as well as a growing concern of the environment, community features and the rising cost of fuel. The finings in the survey demonstrate that despite difficulties faced buy first time home buyers they are willing to do what it takes to become home owners. It shows strength and a determination. This is great news to the real estate industry that pays attention to consumer perceptions and behaviors. This survey can be used for feedback that will enable them to identify ways to enhance the search experience to meet the needs of today’s consumers who will be the first time home buyers of tomorrow.

First time home buyers see better things on the horizon coming with the new President coming into office in January 2009. Today’s falling economy makes it difficult in saving for a down payment and is putting off new home owners until things are able to pick up. A promise of a new President nearly always brings promises and hopes for a change in what is currently happening in the jobs situation and in the economy as a whole. With an economy that is already facing challenges this hope is heightened and the changes are anticipated with baited breath.

J Stromsteen has many years expertise in the finance, real estate, and insurance industry. She contributes to various websites such as First Time Home Buyer where you can find today’s mortgage rates as well as a wealth of information on getting a First Time Home Buyers Loan .

Saving For The First Home

Posted by jennstromsteen on July 18th, 2008

Hopeful first time home buyers are going to benefit from a long forgotten art of building a savings to buy your first home. It will be difficult and it will take time, you may not be able to buy your dream house as soon as you want; however, in the end you will save tens of thousands of dollars and have a significantly higher level of financial flexibility.

At one time saving up to buy a home was a rite of passage for those in their twenties. As home prices soared over the last decade it has become difficult to build the amount of savings so the mortgage institute offered solutions such as zero-down mortgages as well as outlandish 40 year mortgages. This helped many people get into that first home but cost them financially in the end.

Today these options have all but disappeared under rules that have just been announced by the government. The rules are set for people who have less than 20 percent of a down payment and will need mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is a protection paid by the buyer for the lender in case of default.

The zero-down payment mortgage has been very popular with the first time home buyer since it was introduced and the 40 year mortgage has been gaining in popularity as well. Initially people gasp at the thought of a 40 year mortgage; however, the flexibility associated with the longer amortization makes is appealing for many.

With the new set of rules, buyers that require mortgage insurance will be required to have a minimum down payment of 5 percent and the longest mortgage available will be 35 years. Many first time home buyers are rushing to the market to take advantage of the old mortgage options before they are changed. A few banks; however, are already announcing plans to stop offering zero-down and 40 year mortgages immediately. This means that down payments are going to be a factor in all first time buying just in the same way they were in previous generations.

One method of obtaining a down payment is to borrow the money or use products that are offered by some banks that make the down payment for you as a kind of bonus; the draw back is higher interest rates. Setting up preauthorized transfers into a high interest savings account for you pay check is a method to save and come up with a down payment the old fashioned way. These savings accounts do not pay a lot but they are risk free; unlike the stock market.

There are hidden benefits of the new mortgage rules, such as saving a little on mortgage insurance premiums as well as savings in interest over the years. Just going from a 40 year mortgage down to a 35 year mortgage on a $250,000 mortgage could save close to $50,000 on a 5 percent interest rate.

J Stromsteen has many years expertise in the finance, real estate, and insurance industry. She contributes to various websites such as First Time Home Buyer where you can find today’s mortgage rates as well as a wealth of information on getting a First Time Home Buyers Loan .


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